Phillies Mailbag: Kepler's Defense, Torpedo Bats, 9th Inning

We are back once again with the 97.3 ESPN Phillies Mailbag. We take your questions each week and answer them on The Sports Bash with Mike Gill. Tune in Tuesday afternoons to hear your questions answered on the air.

Why is Max Kepler with a better arm not in right field and Nick Castellanos in left?
~Michael

The Phillies signed outfielder Max Kepler knowing that he had a track record as a solid defender in right field. But yet, he assumed left field upon joining the Phillies. I think the main reason is respect.

Part of it must be respect for incumbent Nick Castellanos. Not really viewed as a strong outfielder, Castellanos very respectably upped his defensive game once right field became his upon the injury to Bryce Harper in 2022.

Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber began 2022 sharing left field and the designated hitter spot.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I think the Phillies likely would use Kepler in right field should Castellanos take a day off or spend a day at designated hitter, perhaps putting Schwarber in left field and leaving Brandon Marsh in center.

Will the Phillies all have their own version of the new bat in the next few weeks? Is this a phase or will it last?
~Greg

Torpedo bats are all the rage. Making their debut with the New York Yankees in the opening series, the Yankees remarkably hit nine home runs in one game. The Torpedo bats, as they are called, may have done the trick.

Torpedo bats are shaped according to where players tend to have the ball hit the bat. That means for each player who uses one, their batting history must be researched and the bat custom made. The bat has the same weight as a traditional bat, but it is not shaped like a traditional bat.

Alec Bohm used one during the Phillies home opener. He had a single with the bat. But for other batters, it might not be for them, as Bryson Stott told NBC Sports Philadelphia:

“It’s not a thing you can just go and order,” said shortstop Bryson Stott, who said he has been in contact with the bat company he uses, Victus, about possibly working the torpedo into his arsenal. “You swing a thousand bats [in Victus’ “Hit Lab”] and they kind of tell you where [on the bat] you’re hitting the ball mostly. If you’re a guy that uses the whole bat… it’s not for you.”

Meanwhile, Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm indicated he is not a fan to Anthony SanFilippo of On Pattison:

"If pitchers mattered in this game, maybe I'd have an opinion. But we get checked like criminals every time we walk off the mound, so I don't think our opinion matters anymore. I think they made that very clear. It's all about offense. So, yeah, let's make more offense."

The bats will likely continue for now.

They are not illegal bats, so anyone who wishes to order one may. The company Victus, is located in Philadelphia suburb King of Prussia.

When do they settle on a ninth inning guy?
~sa6394

Well, the Phillies already have settled, actually. Manager Rob Thomson focuses on matchups with his bullpen. The ninth inning will be whoever their best two relievers match up with heading to the end of the game.

We have already seen the Phillies employ this before. Jose Alvarado will get whichever of the final two innings has the tough lefties. Jordan Romano will get whichever of the final two innings has the tough righties.

In yesterday's home opener, it followed this schedule. Alvarado made quick work of Ryan McMahon, the Rockies' number three hitter, and took care of switch-hitter Michael Toglia, who had to hit from the right side.

Then in the top of the ninth, even though the Phillies then got the lead beyond the save threshold, Romano got the final three outs.

While some traditionally-minded baseball fans might be thinking the ninth should be a singular pitcher, this method served the Phillies pretty well the last couple of seasons, though the Jeff Hoffman - Carlos Estevez duo was not lefty-righty.

The Alvarado - Seranthony Dominguez combo led the Phillies into the 2022 World Series.